Graduate Program

The Department of Biological Sciences offers a thesis program (Program A) and a non-thesis program (Program B), both of which may lead to the master of science degree.

The objectives of the program are:

1. To provide advanced training in biology for individuals who wish to pursue careers in industry, government, and education.

2. To provide advanced training in biology for individuals who wish to pursue studies at the doctoral level.

3. To provide advanced training in biology for individuals who wish to strengthen their background in the life sciences.

 Note: A limited number of Teaching and Research Assistantships (TAs) are available for qualified full-time students in the program.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

2. Have a minimum cumulative 2.7 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

3. Submit three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a faculty advisor.

4. Submit a brief description of career plans.

5. Have a combined GRE score (General Test) of 800 or higher.

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

1. Complete Graduation Application

2. Complete course of study

Program A (thesis). Completion of a program of 24 hours of course work (16 hours in biology must be at or above the 500 level), 6 hours of thesis research, and a successful defense of thesis..

Program B (non-thesis). Completion of a program of 30 hours of course work (24 hours in biology must be at or above the 500 level), 6 hours of research, and a written research project report.

3. A composite passing score on the departmental Comprehensive Examination.

Among other requirements, the following forms must be completed in advance of graduation:

1. Request for Comprehensive Examination (note that both thesis and non-thesis students need to take and pass the Comprehensive exam in order to graduate from the program).

2. Registration of Thesis or Research Project (for non-thesis)